The place

The history

This building has been in the owner’s family for more than 60 years. The host is a tenant. She moved in a few years ago and made some minor upgrades.

The furniture is an eclectic mix of vintage pieces and family hand-me-downs:

The host loves supporting local artists, and all the work on the walls is for sale. The paintings are done by her friend Montina Hussey, and the photographs are by Joseph Hammond. The giant metal piece is a countertop salvaged from a defunct grilled cheese restaurant:

The host lives in the apartment even when there are Airbnbers staying with her, so the main-floor kitchen, bathroom and patio aren’t completely private. Guests sleep in their own bedroom, and the host has a separate bedroom on the upper floor:

There’s a vinyl record player by the window:

The entranceway has another painting, and a ladder to nowhere:

Major perks

Guests don’t even have to leave the apartment to partake in some Kensington Market people-watching. Plus, Dolce Gelato is open until 1 a.m. on weekends, for any late-night dessert cravings.

Possible deal breaker

The bed is a pull-out sofa, so it may be slightly too cozy for two people. And if sharing a bathroom and kitchen with the host weirds you out, you’d best take a pass.